Pune Police Ban Gatherings of 5 or More Without Permission From August 18 to 31
Pune, 17th August 2026: The Pune City Police have issued a 14-day prohibitory order under Sections 37(1), 37(2) and 37(3) of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951. The order will remain in force from 12:01 a.m. on August 18 until midnight on August 31, 2026, across the jurisdiction of the Pune City Police Commissionerate.
The order was issued on August 15, 2026, by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Branch) Dr Prashant Amrutkar. According to the notice, political parties and social organisations frequently hold marches, demonstrations, strikes, bandhs and hunger strikes to press various demands. The police also cited the possibility of law-and-order problems during encroachment-removal drives.
The notice further refers to the need to maintain peace and security during festivals, including Eid-e-Milad, Narali Purnima and Raksha Bandhan.
Under the order, gatherings of five or more people, as well as meetings and processions, cannot be held without prior permission from the Pune City Police Commissioner. The order prohibits the carrying, storing or preparation of explosives, inflammable substances, firearms, weapons, stones and other objects that could be used to cause physical injury.
The display or burning of effigies, images or symbolic objects; the use of abusive or provocative slogans; loud singing and playing musical instruments; and the preparation or circulation of material that could threaten public morality, public security or law and order have also been prohibited.
The order also bans the creation and posting of “criminal reels” on social media with the intention of spreading fear or issuing threats.
Government employees who are required to carry weapons while performing official duties have been exempted from the order. It will also not apply to specified private security guards, Gurkha guards and watchmen carrying lathis not exceeding 3.5 feet in length while on duty.
The notice states that violations will invite action under Section 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951. It also clarifies that investigations and legal proceedings relating to violations may continue even after the prohibitory order expires.
